Balkans Tour

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover Kruja's fortress, museums, and old bazaar
Explore the museum city of Gjirokastra
Visit Butrint, one of the world's archeological wonders
Marvel at ancient Apollonia, among the finest archaeological sites of the Mediterranean
Enjoy a beautiful drive through mountainous Kosovo, with visits to monasteries and fortresses
Tour Monastery Studenica the crowning achievement of medieval culture and art in Serbia

Continue your fascinating in-depth exploration of the Balkans if you joined our Adriatic tour, or start your Balkans tour with us in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Our comprehensive tour of the Balkans visits extraordinary monasteries and churches, important monuments and historical sites, and quaint picturesque villages as well as places of immense natural beauty. We travel throughout Albania, whose heritage was influenced by the Greeks, Romans, Italians and Turks, and into Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia.

Crossing the border into Macedonia, we drive around Lake Ohrid. The town of Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. Driving through mountains and villages, we stop at many historic sites and pass through the National Park of Mavrovo, on our way to Skopje, Macedonia's capital. We enter Kosovo at Prizren, a true open air museum with preserved architecture; known for high quality jewelry and textiles. Another thrilling highlight of our Balkans tour is a 15km nostalgic journey by old steam engine crossing breathtaking scenery through 20 tunnels, 10 bridges and across many viaducts. Culminating our Balkans tour in Belgrade, we enjoy a traditional dinner in the local bohemian quarter of Skadarlija. Want more of the Balkans? Join our Bulgaria tour immediately following.

Manasija Church, Serbia

ITINERARY

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Day 1-2: Sarajevo
A guided walking tour of this magical town.

Day 3: Mostar
A guided walking tour of this magical town.

Day 4: Kotor
A guided walking tour of this magical town.

Day 5: Budva
A guided walking tour of this magical town.

Day 6-7: Shkodra-Tirana-Kruja, Albania
Arrival in Tirana, vsiting Shkodra enroute. Visit the fortress of Kruja, the Scanderbeg and Ethnographic Museums and the old bazaar full of local handicrafts. Tour the capital, including Ethem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower and the National Historic Museum.

Day 8: Durres -Berat
In Durres, visit the Amphitheatre and Archeological Museum. Tour Berat, a UNESCO site and one of Albania's most attractive towns.

Day 9: Apollonia-Vlora
Travel along the Albanian Riviera toward the coastal town of Vlora, with stops at several coastal villages. Visit the ancient city of Apollonia, founded in 558 BC by settlers from Corfu and Corinth.

Day 10-11: Saranda - Butrint
Visit the World Heritage site of Butrint, Albania’s most important archaeological site. Bask in Saranda on the beautiful Ksamil beach or take a boat trip.

Day 12: Gjirokastra
Explore Gjirokastra, a museum city and UNESCO heritage site. Visit the pre-Ottoman citadel.

Day 13 Korca
In Korca visit the Museum of Medieval Arts and the Mosque of Mirahori, one of the oldest in the country, built in 1469.

Day 14 Voskopoja - Pogradec
Visit fascinating Voskopoja, one of the most important towns in the European part of the Ottoman empire. Enjoy Pogradec on the shores of Lake Ohrid. We will explore the traditional village of Tushemisht.

Day 15-16: Ohrid, Macedonia
A pleasant drive around Lake Ohrid crossing the border into Macedonia. Enjoy a walking tour and visit museums. Tour Sv. Naum Monastery by boat.

Day 17: Skopje
A scenic journey through mountains and villages, following the Albanian border and passing through the National Park of Mavrovo to Skopje. Enroute, we Visit the noted Monastery of Sv. Jovan Bigorski and the 13th century St. Jovan Kaneo Church. Explore the historic town of Skopje.

Day 18: Prizren, Kosovo
Enjoy Prizren, a true open air museum and one of the most beautiful towns of Kosovo. Visit the Monastery of Gracania (UNESCO).

Day 19: Pec-Novi Pasar, Serbia
Marvel at the extraordinary UNESCO sites: Patriarchate of Pec and Monastery Visoki Decani with its precious old icons.

Day 20: Kopaonik - Sirogojno, Serbia
A scenic drive along the valley of the River Ibar to the top of the mountain to Kopaonik, a national park of unparalled beauty. We stay in Novi Pazar, capital of the Southern area of Serbia called Sandzak. Visit the outstanding UNESCO Monastery Studenica and journey to the charming ethnic Sirogojno village on Mount Zlatibor.

Day 21-24: Belgrade - Depart
Enjoy a thrilling nostalgic journey by the old steam engine “Šarganska Osmica” crossing breathtaking scenery. A comprehensive walking tour of Belgrade, capital of Serbia since 1403.